Varenna: Castello di Vezio Entry Ticket

About This Experience

Castello di Vezio stands on the ridge directly above Varenna and looks straight down the middle of Lake Como to the Bellagio headland. It is the view that sells it — the one photograph in which you can see both arms of the lake at once.

The fortification is early medieval in origin, traditionally attributed to the Lombard queen Theodelinda, and was built to watch and control the centre of the lake. What survives is a square keep inside a curtain wall, a walkway across to the tower, and visitable dungeons beneath. There is a permanent exhibition on Lariosaurus, the prehistoric reptile found in these rocks, plus rotating art in the gardens — including the castle's well-known ghost figures, white plaster shrouds staged among the olives.

Around the walls is one of the northernmost olive groves in the world, which is the other thing worth stopping for: the lake keeps the ridge mild enough for olives at a latitude that has no business growing them.

It is a walk. Reviewers are consistent that the climb from Varenna is a genuine uphill effort of twenty to thirty minutes and that the path down is rough underfoot — walking shoes, not sandals. There is a bus from near the supermarket if you would rather not. At around €4 at the gate this is the cheapest thing in Varenna and, on a clear day, the best value.

Highlights

• The finest viewpoint on the central lake — straight down the middle to the Bellagio headland
• Over a thousand years of history: a square keep, curtain walls and visitable dungeons
• One of the world's northernmost olive groves, wrapped around the walls
• The castle's staged ghost figures and a permanent Lariosaurus exhibition
• Under half the price of any villa garden in Varenna

What's Included

• ✓ Entry to Castello di Vezio, including the tower, gardens and dungeons
• ✓ Access to the permanent Lariosaurus exhibition and any temporary garden exhibitions

Not Included

• Transport up from Varenna — you walk, or take the local bus
• A guide
• Food and drink at the castle bar

What to Bring

• Proper walking shoes — the footpath up from Varenna is steep and the way down is rough
• Water, especially in summer; the climb is exposed in places

Good to Know & Caveats

• The falconry the castle was once known for has been permanently suspended since an act of vandalism in October 2022. The resident owl, Artù, is kept in an enclosure inside the walls — keep a safe distance.
• From March to the start of November the castle opens daily. In November it closes if it rains. From December to February it opens only on fine Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
• Last admission is twenty minutes before closing.
• Getting up there from Varenna is a steep twenty- to thirty-minute climb; the descent is rough underfoot. A local bus runs from near the supermarket.
• Dogs are welcome on a lead, but not on the lawns and planted areas.
• The gate price is about €4, with reductions for children, seniors, students and CAI or Touring Club members.

Meeting Point

The castle gate at Vezio, on the ridge above Varenna — about twenty to thirty minutes uphill on the marked footpath from the village, or a short drive to the car park below.